GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) — Base officials at Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, are reminding base residents of the importance of energy conservation throughout the month of December.
Officials with NS Guantanamo Bay’s Public Works Department emphasize being energy conscious when decorating building exteriors during the holiday season, as the installation produces all electricity used on base.
“Most people decorate their homes to show their holiday spirit, but after 9 p.m. there really aren’t many people out and about on the installation to ‘enjoy’ the lights,” said Public Works Officer Cmdr. Anthony Conley. “Any lights left on after 9 p.m. are merely consuming more energy and costing the government more money.”
Conley advises that residents should consider buying miniature lights (which use about 70 percent less energy than larger bulbs) when decorating the exterior of their homes.
“Christmas bulbs average between five and 10 watts of consumption per bulb,” said Conley. “During 2010, the naval station consumed an additional 875,000 kilowatts between November and December, resulting in an additional $265,000 in energy costs. Placing lights on a timer, with the preferred lighting time being 5 p.m. -8 p.m., provides another opportunity to save energy. “
Conley said housing residents should also look to minimize the number of exterior ornamentation used when decorating for the holidays.
“There are numerous ways to conserve energy during the holidays,” said Conley. “Looking for opportunities to save energy around the home is an important part of the holiday season.”
Source: US Navy, Story Number: NNS111207-31 Release Date: 12/7/2011 5:16:00 PM
For more news from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, visit www.navy.mil/local/guantanamo/.
